November 5, 2009

Farm Bureau membership hits all-time high

RICHMOND—The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has marked a membership milestone.
“I am both pleased and proud to announce that when the Virginia Farm Bureau closed out its membership year Oct. 31 it was 149,857 members strong—the most it has ever had,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor.

“This achievement is due to the combined efforts and hard work of our county Farm Bureau leaders, agents and office staff, our field employees and all of those in our West Creek office during 2009,” Pryor said.

“We are just tickled to death by this record number of members,” said VFBF Director of Field Services Brad Lowery. “In these tough economic times, this just goes to show you that Virginians have their priorities straight.

“These 149,857 families believe in supporting agriculture by joining a membership organization that works to keep our farmers in business and keep safe, fresh, Virginia-grown food on our tables.”

Just under two months ago, it was announced that the Farm Bureau had surpassed both its state and national membership goals for 2009. The new year-end figures mean the organization met 101.57 percent of its state goal and 101.63 percent of the national goal.

Farm Bureau’s mission is to help keep agriculture viable throughout the Old Dominion. This is carried out in a variety of ways, including legislative representation, helping farmers with financial decisions, educating students and developing new agricultural enterprises.
The organization is also known for its wide range of membership services, including product discounts, competitive insurance rates and face-to-face service.

A total of 13,245 new members joined the organization this past year, and 92.65 percent of existing memberships were renewed.

“This is the seventh consecutive year that we have ended with a retention percentage of 92.5 percent or greater,” Pryor said.

Contact Lowery at 804-290-1012 or Greg Hicks, VFBF communications director, at 804-290-1139.